Install an After-Cat Exhaust

When Dodge introduced the 5.9 Magnum V8 in its Dakota truck line, the new engine was received with open arms from the truck crowd. When people upgrade the little hauler, it usually begins with a K&N air filter and perhaps a Mopar Performance chip. Now, thanks to MBRP Exhaust, your Dakota can breathe easier and sound like a musclecar to boot. MBRP has been selling top-quality bolt-on systems for several years and currently has 10 kits to fit both Dakota club and quad-cabs. MBRP also has outfits for the '98-'01 Durango and all '94-2000 Ram trucks. We received the 'Cuda-style kit from MBRP, and it comes complete with stainless exhaust tips and a ProFinish rear roll pan to complete the look. You can also purchase MBRP's split-duals kit, which retains the factory bumper.

As with all the company's kits, the Dakota outfit is available in aluminized or stainless steel; we opted for the aluminized. Since a bolt-on kit usually doesn't bolt on easily, installing this kit was a pleasant surprise. A do-it-yourselfer could install it with minimal tools on a nice, shady driveway. You might want to farm out the painting of the rear roll pan as we did. Last month the folks at Dallas Auto Body of Lakeland, Florida, painted both our Dakota hood and pan. Now follow along as we get our hands dirty and help the Little Dakota breathe easier.